Foreign Language

This introductory French course will prepare students to communicate with confidence in the present and immediate future tenses. Students who choose to pursue French will embark on a study of the language as well as the rich cultures of the French-speaking world. In this course, students learn the basic grammar, syntax and vocabulary while reading, writing, listening and speaking the language. Themes include school life, family, clothing, food, activities and traveling. Students are provided with a wide variety of formats for expression, ranging from class discussions and small group work to the creation of an electronic portfolio and video production. Only French is spoken in class from the very first day. This way, students quickly develop their oral skills. Participation is essential to learn a language, therefore we create a safe environment to explore and take risks together.

Textbooks:

  • D’accord! 1 Textbook (Hardcopy or Digital), 2019 by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com
  • D’accord! 1 Workbook (Hardcopy), 2019 by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

This second French course will prepare students to communicate with confidence in the present, future, imperfect and passé composé tenses. In this course, students learn grammar, syntax and vocabulary while reading, writing, listening and speaking the language. Emphasis is placed on communicating with authenticity and native-like pronunciation. Students read and retell stories, as well as create their own. They read their first novella: Le Petit Prince, and create an electronic portfolio, which helps them self-assess their own learning. Students continue to explore the rich cultures of the French speaking world by reading articles on current events and watching cultural videos. Only French is spoken in class at all times.

Prerequisites: French I

Textbooks:

  • D’accord! 2 Textbook (Hardcopy or Digital), 2019 by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com
  • D’accord! 2 Workbook (Hardcopy), 2019 by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com
  • Le Petit Prince (French Language Version) by d’Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 1st Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0156013987

French III further solidifies students’ understanding of the French language through conversing and writing in the present, past, and future tenses with increasing accuracy. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of more complex language structure using both the present and the past subjunctive, hypothetical phrases, and perfect tenses. While students continue to speak French in every class, they also give frequent oral presentations, take written and oral examinations, and read from a variety of sources and texts. Students continue to expand their cultural viewpoint of the French-speaking world, by creating videos and research projects designed to teach the history and cultural tradition of the French-speaking world.

Prerequisites: French I, French II

Textbooks:

  • D’accord! 3 Textbook (Hardcopy or Digital), 2019 by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com
  • D’accord! 3 Workbook (Hardcopy), 2019by Vista Higher Learning; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

This introductory Spanish course will prepare students for communicating on a basic level in the target language. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are all emphasized. Students will learn the basics of Spanish grammar, verb conjugation, and build a large vocabulary of Spanish words. Themes include school life, family, sports, and travel. We will also study the cultures of Spanish speaking countries and foster interest in world travel and global connections. Students will consider the theme of sustainability as they present information about people from impoverished countries and discover how difficult it can be to access food and clean water. A variety of popular songs in Spanish will be sampled and interpreted as a means of strengthening understanding of the language. Students will be expected to actively practice the use of Spanish in the classroom.

Textbooks:

  • Senderos 1 Supersite Plus (12 Month Access), 2023 by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN: 978-1-54336-937-3; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

Spanish II builds on a fundamental knowledge of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The curriculum emphasizes effective communication skills. Students expand their vocabulary by speaking Spanish in every class, doing short oral presentations, and by taking regular written and oral examinations. Emphasis is placed on conversing, reading, and writing in the simple present as well as past tenses. Students continue to explore cultural viewpoints and history of the Spanish-speaking world by watching videos, doing readings both in and out of the text and having discussions. In addition to the textbook, the instructor introduces many supplemental materials including music, film, and current events.

Prerequisites: Spanish I

Textbooks:

  • Senderos 2 Supersite Plus (12 month access), 2023 by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN: 978-1-54336-945-8; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

Spanish III further solidifies students’ understanding of the Spanish language through conversing and writing in the present, past, and future tenses with increasing accuracy. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of more complex language structure using both the present and the past subjunctive, hypothetical phrases, and perfect tenses. While students continue to speak Spanish in every class, they also give frequent oral presentations, take written and oral examinations, and read from a variety of sources and texts. Students continue to expand their cultural viewpoint of the Spanish-speaking world, by creating videos and research projects designed to teach the history and cultural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisites: Spanish I, Spanish II

Textbooks:

  • Senderos 3 Supersite Plus (12 Month Access, digital access only), 2023 ; by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN: 978-1-54336-953-3; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

Spanish III further solidifies students’ understanding of the Spanish language through conversing and writing in the present, past, and future tenses with increasing accuracy. The honors course moves at a faster pace and works to prepare students for AP Spanish. They will read authentic literature and write analytical pieces from both the literature and film. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of more complex language structure using both the present and the past subjunctive, hypothetical phrases, and perfect tenses. While students continue to speak Spanish in every class, they also give frequent oral presentations, take written and oral examinations, and read from a variety of sources and texts. Students continue to expand their cultural viewpoint of the Spanish-speaking world, by creating videos and research projects designed to teach the history and cultural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisites: Spanish II and department approval.

Textbooks:

  • Senderos 3 Supersite Plus (12 Month Access, digital access only), 2023 ; by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN: 978-1-54336-953-3; Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

In Spanish IV, students will deepen their interest and love for the acquisition of the Spanish language. The teacher and students speak in Spanish at all times in order to ensure that every opportunity is allowed for students to improve their listening and speaking skills. Focus is placed on vocabulary expansion, mastery of advanced grammar, and reading comprehension through the study of various themes including work, economics, leisure, health, and history. One or more short novels will be read and analyzed in Spanish. Students will also consider the theme of sustainability as they present information about people from impoverished countries and discover how difficult it can be to access food and clean water. Cultural topics presented in the textbook are supplemented with a variety of activities including essay development, songwriting, and food preparation.

Prerequisites: Spanish I, II, and III

Textbook:

  • Senderos 4 Supersite Plus Code (w/WebSAM) + vText by Vista Higher Learning; ISBN: 978-1-680053661

AP Spanish Language and Culture is an advanced course that emphasizes the use of Spanish for active communication and also prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. The course focuses on the five essential themes of AP Spanish: Global Challenges, Beauty and Aesthetics, Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Contemporary Life, and Science and Technology. Students will explore each theme through written, audio and video resources, acquire new vocabulary, and practice writing and speaking formally and informally. Topics in advanced grammar will also be covered. Students will be expected to make short presentations in Spanish based on themes such as sustainability and travel. Each student completes a major project in lieu of taking a final exam.

Prerequisites: Spanish I, II, III, or IV, and department approval

Textbook:

  • Temas Supersite Plus Code w/ebook (24-month access) 2020, by Vista Higher Learning; ISBN: 978-1-54330-710-8 Purchase online at: vistahigherlearning.com

Ojai Valley School partners with Laurel Springs School, an accredited online program, to provide high school students the opportunity to take world languages such as Mandarin, German, Italian, and Latin (all through level 2) in a blended learning environment. Students are given independent study time, resources, and academic support during their regular OVS schedule to take world language online classes. The course of study introduces students to the language while developing fundamental listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Contact Laurel Colborn, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, for additional information. Please be advised there are additional fees associated with these online classes.